Cold weather and wet conditions call for proactive fall prevention. Here are some things to be mindful of as the winter descends on East Central Indianapolis.
How to Practice Fall Prevention
- Choose the right shoes.
While those slip-on crocs and ten-year-old sneakers are comfortable and easy to put on when you’re running out the door, their treads may be non-existent. While you don’t necessarily need boots everytime it rains, check your shoes for decent treads that will provide traction. (And don’t forget to tie those laces.)
- Know your path.
When you’re walking, put your phone away and focus on the area in front of you. If you can scan 6-8 feet in front of you then you’ll have time to bypass slippery situations.
- Dry your shoes thoroughly.
When you come in from the outside, take the time to wipe your shoes off a few times. This will help prevent water leaving a slick trail behind you that may cause others to fall.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Being in a rush can lead us to be less careful than normal, resulting in slips or falls.
- Park in areas that are cleared of snow and ice.
If your options are limited, use your car for support and walk with small steps at a slow pace.
- Plan errands during the warmest part of the day.
As the day warms up slippery spots will lessen, leaving you less hazards to encounter.
- Don’t carry everything all at once.
It may seem counterintuitive to make more trips into your house with the groceries or into the post office with packages, but keeping full visibility as you walk will decrease your risk of falling.
If you do fall, assess your body for injuries before jumping up. If you’re injured, it’s best to stay put until someone can help you up. If you must move because you’re in the path of traffic, carefully turn onto all fours and gently move to a safer location.
If a fall causes lingering pain or if you hit your head, follow up with your primary care provider or visit immediate care. Enjoy the winter weather and stay safe this season!
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